9418561 Ge Fluid flow, rock deformation , heat transfer, and ;mass transport are coupled processes in deforming geologic systems. The coupled effects among these factors have been recognized for their importance in thrust faulting, ore formation, metamorphism, and lubrication of faults during earthquakes. One or more of the coupling processes are often simplified or overlooked. A fully coupled numerical model will be developed and applied to study and physical interaction processes in two geologic settings: sedimentary basins and accretionary prisms. As new features, heat and mass transport are coupled with tectonic deformation, hydraulic permeability is considered a functions of stress and time, and tectonic loading is simulated as a gradual process rather than an instantaneous event. There are two main objectives of this study. The first is to construct a generic model to solve the coupled equations of deformation , fluid flow, heat transfer, and mass transport in geologic medial. The second is to apply the model to study two geologic systems: a sedimentary foreland basin, the Arkoma Basin in Arkansas, and an accretionary prism, the Barbados Accretionary Complex. This research will improve current understanding of the processes involving heat and mass transport in fluids during the history of the tectonic evolution. The application to the sedimentary basin provides a quantitative connection between tectonic events, fluid migration, and ore deposition. The application to the accretionary prism will contribute to the on- going efforts to explain the thermal and chemical anomalies observed in the Ocean Drilling Programs. The work combines analytical scaling, numerical modeling, and case studies. Scaling analysis of the governing equations identifies the relative importance of different coupling mechanisms under simplified conditions. The numerical modeling provides detail solution to the coupled processes under more complicated and realistic geologic conditions. The generic simulations will be designed to test sensitivities of hydrologic, mechanical, and thermal parameters.
